Outlook: The Reds return their roster virtually intact from a 97-win season that was good enough to win a second NL Central title in 3 years. The goal is to get past the first round of the playoffs, something Cincinnati has struggled with in recent memory.

Outlook: After finishing nine games behind the division-champion Reds, the Cardinals were a win from a repeat World Series appearance before blowing a 3-1 NLCS lead against the Giants. Since, they’ve lost 16-game winner Kyle Lohse to the Brewers, and Chris Carpenter to a likely career-ending arm injury.

Outlook: Milwaukee traded pitcher Zack Greinke last summer but quietly made up for it by having one of the most productive offenses in the majors – and that lineup returns almost entirely intact. If Gallardo can anchor the pitching staff, and Segura can live up to expectations in the everyday lineup, the Brewers could be in position to compete in the NL Central.

Outlook: It sounds almost bizarre, but it could very well be the playoffs or bust for this group of Pirates. Pittsburgh flirted with the postseason and the franchise’s first winning record in 2 decades last summer before fading over the final 6 weeks. The roster returns pretty much intact.

Outlook: As they enter the second year of the Theo Epstein era, the Cubs remain in the early stages of a building process. They did, however, try to speed things along. They still have a long way to go, though. This isn’t about quick fixes.